Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 78
"Offerings"
[Exchange Rate, Part 1]

"Huh. You know, I never thought of it that way before. I always thought there was some kind of secret law or whatever, but what you said makes a lot more sense."

Fio nods a few times before drinking her tea. It's breakfast time, a late morning for us in the Leaf.

And it's the eve of our trip to Grass Country, the neutral site for our meeting with the Tsuchikage. Rest time is over for now, though the old man wants me on a limited schedule when we get back...provided the worst doesn't happen.

A Five Kage Summit, something that hasn't happened in many years. And with the tension between nations, Akatsuki's scheming, and general unrest...anything can happen. These are not the circumstances in which we want to have a world shifting meeting. Everyone is hoping that we can get the right read on the Tsuchikage, and give him what he wants to preserve peace just a bit longer. As much as I want the world to change, it can't be done suddenly or recklessly.

"The Hyuuga would rather live independently than have their liberties restricted," I say. "And there are all kinds of clans with different abilities to use for spying and general surveillance. The Uchiha had their Sharingan, the Aburame their insects, and so on. Not to mention that the wealthier and more established clans could just use spies, which some still do for various reasons. Operating on a handshake agreement serves the village's interests well. Nobody walks around using their abilities without a good excuse, cutting edge techniques are kept within clans unless needed elsewhere, and all clans are understanding of where they are and aren't allowed."

"Like how the Nara have their own forest, right?" she asks.

"That's right. Nobody can truly do anything if some order is violated, save for bringing it up with the affected parties and the Hokage. But everyone does their best to stick to the spirit of the agreement. It makes the village stronger and healthier. I suspect part of the goal of education reform in the Leaf's early days was to even out the disparities between clans, and give everyone access to the basics so that nobody had to fight over techniques and such. Each clan is also self-sustaining due to things like their involvement in industry, or natural resource management, or because of generational wealth as in the case of Hyuuga."

"Makes sense. You know a whole lot about the village, Lili. I'm not really surprised, but I am at the same time, you know?"

"I understand what you mean," I say after clearing my plate. "There's a strong tendency to come into a place like this as an outsider and think you know what's best, and what's lacking within society. There are things that can be changed, perhaps the lukewarm attitudes towards those who present differently from traditional gender norms, perhaps the subtle discrimination towards those who have a different sexual preference than usual, or thoughts about those who have abilities seen as disturbing and violations against nature, as if there could be such a thing. Things like that are annoyances and should be shoved out whenever possible. But...the progressive sort of bent doesn't fix everything, and people tend to do their best whenever they can. To barge into a world that's not your own, and demand it change without understanding why things are the way they are, and that there are people to consider...it never ends well, I'm afraid."

"Yeah. When it's one to one, it only makes sense to fight against people who are your enemies and smash them to bits," Fio says. "But when you're dealing with a whole community and stuff, you gotta get right to the source and figure out what's going on. It might be tough, but it's always tougher fighting forever against people who hate you for reasons they don't understand, and ones that you don't understand either. Leaf's a real nice place, though. I don't think anyone really cares about how many girls you kiss, aside from a couple of old weirdos and stuck up losers. We can't make the problem bigger than it seems either, you know?"

"That's always been in the back of my mind. We obviously want to be more open to everyone in the future, and I think we're on our way. Most of the elites are worried about heirs and succession above all else. If we placate them with some ethical means, it's all wrapped up from there."

"That easy?"

I shrug. "You give people what they want, and they'll let you by without as much as a sniffle. Once we pierce the upper layers, the rest is, as they say, cake. After that, it's a number of tactical strikes, and our coalition of the rainbow will be able to handle that very cleanly."

"Crafty as always. Love it~. So I take it we're good to go for our wedding when it happens?"

"Always have been. What are the handful of stupid bigots in this village going to do, call for my head?" I scoff. "I have to see about coming out first, anyways. That should be fun, unless someone decides to ruin it and out me before things are ready. Hm. I should pick up the pace on that."

"We can brainstorm how you're gonna announce yourself as the king of lesbians later. You gotta pack and run down your itinerary and everything, since you're leaving real early."

"Itinerary, huh. When the hell did you get so fancy?" I tease.

"When I got myself a walking encyclopedia with thighs that could crush watermelons."

"I'd have something other than a watermelon down there."

She smiles and leans over the table. "Well. Once you get back, maybe I'll be in the mood to grant that wish of yours."

I raise a brow and smile back. "Darling. You shouldn't make such ambitious promises...I'm liable to make you follow through."

"We'll see." She drops back into her seat and winks at me. Someone's become bratty lately, hasn't she? Maybe it is about that time. I suppose we'll see what mood we're in once I get back. In the meantime, she's absolutely correct. I need to pack and make sure that everything is in order for our trip. No telling what could happen on the way there.

The day passes, with a few phone calls. Confirmations, things regarding Magnolia House, so on and so forth. Fio mills about and talks to me about recent things. Her team is doing well, and Jugo's condition seems to be improving. Karin has been recruited for more scouting missions and is touted as a reliable partner throughout the village. Suigetsu has been extracting favours for heading into high-danger areas more often, thanks to his unique abilities and strength. As a team, they're mainly designated as a strike force, meant to drive directly at the enemy and wipe them out as quickly as possible. Which, between Fio's explosive fists and everyone else, happens often and without hassle.

I take a nap around ten, and wake up close to midnight. A quick shower, my usual working outfit, and finally a regular white robe with some decorative red lines along the cuffs and hem. Appropriate and businesslike. And stylish, of course.

"Looking nice."

"Thank you, love. I always aim to please."

"Good luck. I know Oonoki is a stubborn old bastard, but he doesn't do things without reason. I hope you guys can reach him before he gets too desperate," Fio says.

"I do as well. The last thing we want is chaos, especially with that menace Obito running around. And whoever that Pain child is, too."

"Yeah. Gramps is a master negotiator, though. You're in as good a pair of hands as any. If he can't get it done, we might have been done for from the start. Can't be too mad if that's the case."

"Yes. Pray for us either way."

"Count on it."

We hug before pulling each other into a long, passionate kiss.

"You do know you've got somewhere to be, right?" she asks, catching her breath.

"I haven't forgotten."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mm-hm." I kiss her one more time before tapping her nose. "See you in a bit, love."

"See you, Lili. Be safe."

"Always."

The detailed rendezvous point is the same as ever, in front of the Leaf's main gate. A squad of ANBU awaits, seven in total. I wait a minute or two before Hiruzen arrives, dressed in his formal red and white robes with the all important pointed hat. Another ANBU is carrying his bags.

"We'll be travelling on foot until we reach the border. It should be in a day or so," he says while smoking his pipe.

"A day. Seems a little ambitious for someone who hasn't been outside the village in a while, my lord. Perhaps we can slow our pace just a bit, for everyone's sake," I suggest gently.

He considers, puffs out smoke, and finally nods in agreement. "Mm. Fair enough. Two days should be fine, then."

"Agreed, sir. Two days it is. Shall I set the pace?" I ask.

"Please do, Colonel Kobayashi."

"Thank you, sir. All personnel, assert your readiness."

"Ready, ma'am," they all say in unison. Seven plus one carrying the old man's things, two more makes ten...functionally seven while I cover the operating area and pace the group. Okay, easily done.

"Four by three. Square over triangle inside, rear protection priority. Bag man stays at home, move at my pace. Threat assessment, collapse in and hold while I sweep. Move towards emergency egress code 2311 if I'm lights out or KIA. Based on profiles, optimal attacking formation will end up being Zoom Buster Buster Xylophone Vertical Yam Flood Left and we open C gap for our priority one. Questions?"

"No, ma'am," I hear back.

"Excellent. Enter formation once we reach Alpha Point as we outlined in the briefing. We've sorted X-Y-Z meta already?"

"Done and ready, ma'am," one ANBU says. "X-Man here, intending to hold rear."

"All acknowledged. Take rear point, we'll have Z then X clockwise to guard."

"Understood, ma'am."

I check my time piece. "Zero zero two nine, taking off in minus twenty seconds. All green."

We make sure that we're limber before getting ready to leave.

And here we go.

"Great Tree, we are go at zero zero three zero," I say into my radio as we clear the main gate.

"Flying Leaf, we copy. Go at zero zero three zero. God speed and look after the old man."

"Count on it. Flying Leaf, out."

Alpha Point is about five hundred meters out. We cross it, and then snap into our outlined formation. I'm out front, with a square behind me and a backwards facing triangle inside of that. Hiruzen and his bag boy are in the very middle. Four layers at the least. Too bad they won't get past the first, which is me.

And so we head into the day, keeping our wits about us while we move. There shouldn't be much in the way of trouble, if at all.

Nothing to report. It's the second day of our journey, and we leave in the morning as scheduled. Our current route was scouted before we even set foot on it, and we mapped out all possible conflict points to avoid them as much as possible. Points for ambush, or ones that might serve well for staging offensive fronts...obviously shinobi can come from anywhere, but they'll also take any extra advantage that they can get.

And as part of my briefing, I learned that there are still secluded and secretive individual clans from the past that wander about, and have grudges against those in the organized system. It forces me to realize the truth: that in the formation of the large and small villages, there were campaigns of genocide and ethnic cleansing in order to secure the large amounts of land and resources needed to feed and supply the new forces that would protect the land from then on. I understand how the era of warring states worked. It doesn't change the reality in front of me. And as Hokage, I will have that legacy on my shoulders, whether I like it or not.

I think about Yamato and Fubuki. They were victims of something that carried on for decades without notice or care. With the villages more concerned about keeping themselves fit for battle and worrying over treaties and violations of such, it only makes sense that the so called little people would be forgotten, or treated as obstacles to be cleared away. Changing that will take a lot of work. It will require giving things up. How to fix that is something that will be complex. The first step is always to try. Beyond that, I'll have to look over the Inugami to make sure that they thrive. If there's anyone I could seek wisdom from, it would be them.

I can't change this world on my own. But opening the path towards that change is work that only I can do at this moment. I sincerely doubt we're going to have any sort of moment or revelation where we all come together and realize that cooperation is the only right thing to choose. And even then, the kind of reform that would come as a result of it would be slow and plodding at best. No, I have to follow my own path right to the end. It's the only way we'll get out from under this mess in time.

It's crossed into evening. We can get to the border with a bit of sprinting, but there's no reason to push ourselves when we don't need to. I make the recognized signals with my right hand, indicating that we're going to slow just a little bit.

By the time night comes, we've stopped within visual range of Tenchi Bridge and the border between Fire and Grass. We set up camp and eat before heading off to sleep. Dawn of the third day brings us to the bridge and checkpoint, where we get ourselves identified before going to the carriages prepared for us. The Hokage gets into one with our bag handler and two more ANBU. The other two sit on the carriage roof. I have our X,Y, and Z men sit inside the other carriage while I join the driver up front. She is quiet, but appreciative of the company all the same. Our carriage goes first, and the Hokage's follows close behind.

"I won't put us onto the new paved roads into Silver Vine. Narrow and the horses aren't fond of it," our driver says. "The side path carrying southeast to west, or the trail going north."

"Take the trail up. Easier to clamp down," I reply.

"On it."

I stand on my seat and push myself up over the carriage top to look at the other ANBU. They notice me and I make signs to tell them our heading. I watch them sign back and start to make the brief radio call to the inside to check with the old man. One nods and signs to me that we're clear.

"All good," I say as I settle back into my seat.

"Pressing on." The children in front of us let out breaths of affirmation, and we increase the speed of our trot while taking the grassy trail north as planned. Everything is still quiet, and I can't sense anyone nearby that seems out of place.

"..."

Hopefully it's the same on the other side. I did give a lot of thought to how I would end that old man's life, but I also had an idea of the consequences that I would have to take on as a result. Something happening now, on the way to a meeting between two rival powers...that's something out of our control, and would be catastrophic to say the least.

Silver Vine Village is a cozy place. Not all that big, but not small either. Several different types of shops, competing banks and businesses, enough money to have a proper treasury, and a vibrant social scene. As Ino would say, the vibes are chilled. The streets are paved in many places, which aren't all recent. A fair amount of the plants lining said streets are however, likely in anticipation of the Hokage and Tsuchikage's visit. I can immediately spot the shinobi from Hidden Grass on site as we enter the village, afternoon starting to fade into evening. Some are out in the open, others hidden. The buildings and homes are made from local material, strong variants of bamboo and wood, some unified with stone in differing patterns. Torches are used as lighting and the smell of burning wood is abundant, along with oil mixtures. Steam rises up from a distant corner of town in small amounts, and I imagine that this provides diversity in energy options, along with waterworks from the local river that cuts north across the village. Silver Vine is about ten kilometers south of Hidden Grass, an ideal location for monitoring and in case of emergency. Tanzaku Quarter, one of the other options, is wealthy and built up enough to have its own local options that can be commandeered by shinobi in emergency situations. I imagine it was only rejected because the Tsuchikage wanted to put on a strong front. His loss, I suppose. The drinks are delicious up there.

Our carriages travel to the town square, where oil torches sitting on poles are already lit in anticipation. Shinobi of Hidden Grass stand at attention in a straight line. I can see that we're just a short walk from the hotel where we will be resting and conducting our talks. I do both visual and beyond visual sweeps, including of the shinobi nearby, then signal the all clear. After shaking hands with my driver, I leave my carriage and wait for the ANBU to file out before Hiruzen steps out after them. He yawns and rolls his neck a few times before finding his pipe to smoke on again.

"Hrm."

"A light, my lord?" I ask.

"Would be appreciated. I misplaced my matches...likely in my pack."

I nod to let the bag handler know that it's fine. After he loads his pipe properly, I take it from him and kiss the top lip gently, making smoke rise upwards as I hand it back.

"Many thanks, Lili."

"My pleasure, sir."

"I was wondering about how casually you take my smoking habits, and Asuma's for that matter. But I believe you mentioned that your mother enjoyed smoking herself?"

"She does. Ane-ue and Luna-nee do too, but their tastes are...mm, more exotic, shall we say."

He chuckles. "Of course. I dabble in such endeavours myself, from time to time."

"Do we. How interesting."

"Perhaps we should set aside a time to explore such avenues together, one day soon. The medicinal properties cannot be understated."

"I suppose that explains why you're so spry in your old age. Well, that and other methods of getting the blood flowing. Which I approve of, by the way."

"Hm. You would, yes."

"Is it any wonder I'm one of your favourites?"

"Hardly an easier mystery to decipher, to be sure."

We submit to the checks from the Hidden Grass shinobi, who are cautious around me and the old man, for obvious reasons. Once we exchange documents and get the all clear, we head down from the square along the wide brick path that leads to the Silver Vine Hotel. Sizable, elegant...ugh, is that painted brick? So amateur. Hopefully the inside fares better.

Thankfully, it does. Wood everywhere, polished beautifully. The staircases and railings look charming. There's nicely laid out carpet and chandeliers of sparkling glass above. We're met by the staff, dressed in green with silver vests over their clothing.

"You're the tenth or so person to mention the painted brick. We only had it done a few months ago," the receptionist says to me after we check in. "So it should be easy to get rid of if we do it soon. I said it was an awful idea from the start, but you know. Hearing that the world famous Scarlet Viper thinks it's a bad idea should send the message home properly. I'll tell the owner what you said, thanks."

"Not a problem. Everything else is impeccably done, by the by. I love the interior, do you know who did it?"

"I'll ask the owner about that, too. We can get you the contact information before you leave."

"Thank you kindly. Have a splendid night," I say.

"Enjoy your stay, ma'am."

The ten of us head upstairs, with the hotel having been emptied out on account of our important meeting. It means the only ones here aside from us will be the Hidden Rock delegation on the other side of the hotel. Both sides of course have generously compensated the ownership for this level of exclusivity, so they're not likely to complain even if we trash the place. Not that we're planning to.

"Everything set?" I ask as we reach our rooms. Three groups of three, and then I'll have a space to myself. My room will be directly across from the Hokage's, with the remaining two groups one door up and down respectively. If we're going to burst through the walls, might as well shorten the distance as much as possible when it needs to happen.

"Everything should be fine, Colonel. Rest well for tomorrow."

"I will, sir. Please do the same."

"Yes, of course." He nods and goes into his room, followed by his bag handler and one other ANBU. I nod to the remaining six and watch as they split and go into their own rooms, the XYZ trio together as always. Then I head into my room, letting out a sigh of relief as I lock the door behind me.

"Finally. It's been too long since I had some alone time. Oh, they have tea in here. Time to fix myself a pot, and then have a hot bath."

I get the tea brewing and wash up in the meantime. Once it's ready, I pour myself a cup and carry it with me to the tub before sinking into the hot, soapy water.

"Oh, that's so good." I sigh happily and take a sip of my tea. Not bad. They splurged for the good stuff this time. "Tasty."

Alright, so tomorrow should be simple enough. The conference room has been set up for a meeting with the Hokage and Tsuchikage. All of us should be seated, though maybe those other ones might want to stand, who knows. ANBU won't be in the room, instead patrolling the area outside and keeping their eyes and ears focused on any unusual events. Most things should be within expected parameters.

Because of the various contingencies in play, they'll know if anything is happening to either myself or Hiruzen. The other people, not so much. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a firefight, because I would worry more about what happens when we inevitably turn them into chunks of burnt meat. Between the old man and myself, that room would turn into the surface of the sun in two seconds or less.

"I don't like thinking the worst of others. It's part and parcel with the job, but it's still annoying. Even if I'm good at sussing out danger."

Rumour has been flying about regarding what the Hidden Rock might desire or ask for tomorrow morning. Depending on how complex the talks get, we could be here a whole week at most. They could ask for land, for resources, maybe demand personnel or specific corridors for military and trade. They could ask us to move on another country, cause some sort of trouble or steal something way. Cripple capacity, perhaps? Open up a path to vassalizing a smaller state in their orbit, maybe. They've been very quiet regarding their demands. Meanwhile our intelligence network has pulled up some pertient information. The smaller villages are rightfully worried about the chaos that the Rock could bring if they feel they have nothing left to lose. They might be inclined to offer themselves up in various ways to preserve their territories and national security, or what's left of it. There's leverage against Waterfall and Hot Springs because of their missing-nin. Mist is really under pressure now, and that could very well change the calculus of everything. Now that they don't have an active jinchuuriki, what do they have in their pockets? Cloud is to the north, with a strong navy and two jinchuuriki in hand. It makes a counterattack extremely risky, while they don't have much that could stop Yugito if she's deployed and makes it to the main island.

"It's a mess," I say to myself. "I wouldn't be entirely shocked if Mister Twin Scales decided he would take his chances at the big dance, rather than deal with us."

Lots of scenarios. Way too many to count. I don't have a good model of the daimyo either. Water barely tolerates the existence of shinobi and just wants to limit damage. Lightning obviously supports his nation's arms gathering and aggression. Wind is focused on growing his military and getting them out of the dirt. Earth, who the hell knows. Probably drinking himself to sleep every night after two of his super weapons got bottled. And ours, Fire. Fuck me. He'd make a puppet cringe with all the string attached to him.

Useless fucking old men.

"I shouldn't get myself wound up thinking about fossils."

I take a sip of tea before closing my eyes, and thinking of better things. Like watermelons. And how Fio would take their place in certain instances.

"Cheeky bitch," I say with a smile. "Can't wait to get home so I can tease her again."

I wake up after a good, relaxing sleep. Five in the morning, local time. Autopilot, on. Hot shower, stretches, routine maintenance. Pop back to manual. Room service available, if I remember correctly. Order myself a big breakfast. Had to repeat myself a few times because the person on the phone clearly didn't think I could eat that much. Healthy young ladies need their food.

I get my meal and eat while reviewing my notes. Breakdowns on the people who will be opposite us. Finish eating, call downstairs. Make sure hair, nails, and makeup are on point. Put on my outfit, then my white cloak on top. Shift my headband to around my neck so that it's impossible to miss. Room service comes to pick up my empty plates and utensils. I ignore the shocked looks and give them a tip for their trouble.

"All set. Let's do this."

I leave my room and go across the hall to the Hokage's door. Knock three times, then wait.

The door opens a sliver before opening in full a second later.

"All ready, Colonel?" Hiruzen turns and puts on his four pointed hat, pipe already alight in his mouth.

"All ready, my lord. It's time for our big dance."

"And what a dance it will be." He grunts and shrugs his shoulders to let the robes settle properly. "Time to go. All of you, follow at the appointed time. We will be able to take care of ourselves."

The two ANBU salute, and Hiruzen heads out of the room after me. We walk down the hall together, side by side. Down the stairs and to the lobby. A Grass shinobi is waiting for us and bows deeply.

"Lord Hokage, Colonel Kobayashi. This way, please."

We follow the young man down towards the conference room, presumably transformed for our arrival. Directly at the end of this walkway. Nothing happening so far, good.

He pushes open the double doors and bows as we pass him.

As is fitting of a conference room, it is big and spacious. Good carpet, plants to add colour and take care of the air, adjustable lighting from the switches and dials on the walls. One emergency exit on the far side, from the scent I'm picking up it was added within the last week. Prudent decision. And the windows are built with purpose. Big, wide, with a nice view of Silver Vine. I feel them out, and they're difficult to break for humans. Easy egress points for us. ANBU will be able to keep a good eye from outside.

In the middle of the room, which has had all of the usual business equipment cleared out and the carpet cleaned thoroughly, are a few tables and nice, comfortable chairs. One side has two tables framing a recliner large enough for three...maybe four bodies. Curious. The other is just as predicted, enough space for me and the old man with two tables framing it at as well. There's a table in the middle, with a teapot that has steam flowing upwards from its spout. Five ornate silver cups surround it.

Hiruzen sits on the chair meant for us, taking off his hat.

"Tea, sir?" I ask.

"We'll wait until the others get here."

"Understood. I'll be on standby until we're settled."

"Yes."

Nearly two minutes pass before the doors at the front of the room open again. They close as the new set of visitors enter.

Just the same as when I saw him last, the Third Tsuchikage of the Hidden Rock, Oonoki. He floats ahead of his chosen bodyguards. He wears his own pointed hat, marked with the character for Earth on a solid slice of brown at the front.

On my right, a mountain of a man. Has a large nose, a soft and rounded face, and big limbs all around. The black hair that pokes out from underneath his red bandana spikes upwards. He wears the standard Rock shinobi uniform, a red shirt and pants with a brown combat jacket on top. He also has a yellow scarf that pops out against the rest of his outfit. His name is Akatsuchi, simple enough to remember. The Tsuchikage's most frequently seen bodyguard, jounin rank. An expertise in Earth Release is a given. His technique of choice is Earth Release: Earth Golem. Quick to cast, highly durable, outfitted with raw strength. Akatsuchi is no slouch of a man, either. Can close gaps well and has displayed higher than normal raw power. Greatly devoted to his Kage, but seems calm enough as long as we don't push any buttons.

And on my left, is of course a treat for the eyes. Blessed as always, I am. Right, analysis. Jounin, in line to succeed Oonoki as Tsuchikage, and most importantly, his grandaughter by blood. Her name is Kurotsuchi. Fiercely loyal to her village, and seemingly has picked up a lot of traits and ideology from her grandfather. Short black hair, lovely pink eyes. Notably sculpted lashes and brows. Standard Rock attire, brown combat jacket over red shirt, right sleeve completely missing. Headband around her head, gloves on the hands. She wears red shorts and netted stockings beneath them, with a long strip of red fabric coming over her right leg. The most troublesome of the two as she's proficient in Earth, Water, and Fire techniques, and has access to a bloodline limit, Lava Release. Apparently there are two types with different focuses depending on region, possibly three with Roshi and the influence of his partner. Because it's so varied, there might be more that I've missed. Limited observation says that Kurotsuchi creates things like corrosive rock, abrasive ash, and quicklime to bind opponents. Clearly very versatile, and dangerous with the limited distance between us. That said...I can guess that she has a habit of overestimating her abilities. We'll see how far she tries to push her luck, if at all. She seems calm and friendly enough right now, and I'm doing my best to avoid what Ino terms as 'resting bitch face'. Apt, I suppose. Being known as a massive bitch of some type is part of my brand, and it's for the best if I keep that reputation.

When the time comes, it will be one of the reasons that people take me at my word.

"Lord Tsuchikage, welcome. It has been a long while," Hiruzen says as he stands up.

"Indeed, Lord Hokage. I hope the trip wasn't too much of a bother for you."

"Not at all. A good excuse to get out of the village and stretch my legs," he says with a chuckle. They shake hands.

"Lord Tsuchikage, a pleasant morning to you," I say while bowing respectfully. He acknowledges me with a nod.

"The young woman known as the Scarlet Viper, I see. Lord Hokage must have supposed that you would be enough for protection."

"His confidence in me is cherished, and I have a supreme confidence in myself, Lord Tsuchikage. I am the ace of my homeland, after all."

"So you are. Well, let's get down to business."

"Agreed," Hiruzen says. Oonoki takes off his hat and hands it to Akatsuchi, who rests it on the right side table and takes a seat. That answers my question about why the chair was one seat bigger than expected. Kurotsuchi sits on the left side, legs crossed and hands on top of her knees. Hiruzen sits again, leaving space for me on his right.

"Tea for everyone?" I ask.

"I'd appreciate a cup," Kurotsuchi says. She does remind me a lot of Fio...capable, confident, and with a touch of boyish charm. "Thank you."

"You're quite welcome."

"I'll have one too," Akatsuchi says. Voice a slight bit higher on the register than I first assumed.

"Of course."

"Same for me," Oonoki says.

"Yes, sir. Coming right up. Lord Hokage, anything for you?"

"Yes, thank you kindly."

"My pleasure." I smile and pour tea for everyone, handing the cups over gently. Kurotsuchi meets my eyes and smiles, to which I smile back. I hand the last cup to Hiruzen before pouring my own, and take my seat next to him.

"I first would like to express my condolences on your loss, once more in person," Hiruzen says. "Truly a devastating event, and a great source of anxiety to lose both of your jinchuuriki at once."

"We appreciate your concern, Hokage. As you know, the Hidden Rock is ever reslient, and we have been able to find a way forward after the double tragedy we experienced. Of course, the reason why we are here together is in direct relation to that tragedy and our determination. We wish to forge ahead whilst avoiding needless conflict with our neighbours, and to that end we have proposals, along with asks for various guarantees."

"Yes. We would hear you out, and we dearly hope to avoid conflict as well, Lord Tsuchikage. Please outline your wants, and we will give them as much consideration as possible. The pursuit of peace will take all of us, working together."

Words left unstated float through the room. And so the discussion begins.

Those of us who mean to protect our Kage from harm are silent as talks progress. The two men lay out background details, and Rock gives a controlled glimpse into their situation at current. They are not crumbling just yet, but they are experiencing a bit of difficulty. The walls, though slowly for now, are starting to draw close.

Every so often, his eyes flicker to me before returning to the old man. Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi give me curious looks from time to time as well, aside from the usual room scans that I notice. I can't exactly read those looks. They're not tense or worried about me as I am now. So...what is it?

"'Scuse me. Gonna use the kunoichi's room, Gramps. Hold down the fort, Akatsuchi."

"Yep."

Oonoki waves to acknowledge his granddaughter before continuing on in their discussion. She retakes her seat a few minutes later, as genuine progress looks to be made. Something like a secret non-aggression pact, being fleshed out. There are various problems with that, of course. They're talking it through.

"I'll be back shortly, Lord Hokage," I announce.

"Yes, of course."

The shinobi runner comes through the door with a fresh pot of tea as I leave. I head to the washroom nearby, use the toilet and then do a bit of fussing in the mirror before stepping back out. Nothing to actually worry about, but I do my usual BVR checks just to keep up routines. Nothing doing, and the old men are still talking.

"Took your time," Kurotsuchi says as I return. "Can't blame you, this tea's great."

"Yes, agreed. At this rate, I'll be half tea by volume."

"There are a few things that I should give you time to consider, Hokage. Perhaps we can take a recess and continue in the evening," Oonoki suggests.

"That sounds like a fair idea."

"Good. Before or after dinner, what might you prefer?"

"If it can be done, we should have a meal together, and then segue into our next session."

"Hm, a fine idea. Then we will see you in a few hours."

"Don't think things over too hard. Those are some pretty generous terms coming from us," Kurotsuchi says.

"We'll consider being grateful at some point," I reply. She lifts one of her brows and smirks, amused at my gumption.

"Heh. Fair enough."

"See you all at dinner," Akatsuchi says.

The Tsuchikage and his group leave first, then we follow. We're joined by the ANBU on the way up towards our rooms.

"Sounds like we're making good progress," I say to Hiruzen. He nods and puffs a bit of smoke from his mouth.

"Indeed. Oonoki is his stubborn self, but we are actually making strides at a faster pace than anticipated. It's possible that we might be done tonight, or tomorrow at the latest."

"That would be fantastic. I like it here, but securing the stability of our world is that much sweeter."

"Well said, my child. Take your rest, and we shouldn't have any changes in protocol before dinner."

"I might take a short walk outside. Don't worry too much about me."

He gives me an amused look.

"Listen, Fio is very okay with my flirting. She encourages it, in fact."

"You are truly a fortunate daughter, Lili."

"Oh, I know it. I'll avoid causing any international incidents. She's probably straight anyways."

He sighs. "Try not to cause too much trouble, Madam Kobayashi."

"Promise~."

He shakes his head and disappears into his room. The other ANBU follow suit, and then I do the same. I take off my coat and lie down on my bed, then mark out time for a nice nap.

"..."

It's a subtle thing, at the back of my head. I don't know if the old man noticed it, too.

I feel like we're missing something. Something...important.